Tips for the Bride on a Budget

Gina Artisensi-Skime from The Crown Room put together some great tips for the Bride on a Budget. Take a look at these tips before you finalize vendors for your wedding!

Don't look at the word budget (the amount of money that is available for, required for, or assigned to a particular purpose) as a negative. Rather, look at it as getting the most professional "bang" services for your buck. Here's a few tricks of the trade to stretch your professional wedding-day dollars.

When establishing your budget, decide what aspects and services are the most important to creating your perfect wedding day and rank them.

Next, select the top three services of importance to you and your fiancé and begin to research the pricing per category and establish this portion of your overall budget. The reception venue and catering, entertainment (disc jockey or band) and your photography are generally the top three items that consume the majority of your wedding-budget dollars.

Choosing a reception venue is like selecting that perfect wedding dress: You want the venue to fit your personality and provide an ambiance, menu, and service that you would like your guests to experience. Inquire about any complimentary mirror tiles, centerpieces, candles, or specialty linen napkin colors that the facility may be able to contribute to your wedding day without any additional charges.

If you find that you are exceeding your budget, look into a Friday evening or a Sunday wedding reception that may include a decreased food and beverage minimum at your reception venue. Consider an off-season wedding date or inquire about any special wedding bundles with a reception venue and a hotel. Do not assume that a buffet-style reception will always be the least expensive route to go; most plated-meal services can be customized into a lower price category than a buffet.

Don't compromise a professional vendor service – even if your wedding-budget dollars are getting tight. Professionals are masters of their craft for a reason: They know their job and they do it well. An iPod or other MP3 Player cannot replace a professional disc jockey. An iPod will not be able to introduce the bridal party for a Grand Entrance into the reception venue; it will not lead your guests in an interactive dance or know how to change-up the music to the correct genre when the dance floor is empty. Inquire to see if the disc jockey or entertainer offers reduced rates on Friday or Sunday weddings or take advantage of the Bridal Show Specials.

Find a professional photographer that captures every little moment of your "day of days." You will find photographers in all price categories, but go with your gut – if the deal is too good to be true, it probably is. Request to view portfolios of recent wedding albums, as well as references from previous clients. Your photographer may be with you from sunup to sundown; ensure that you are comfortable with his or her personality and style. Feel free to ask your photographer about any off-season or weekly discounts or offers.

Sticking to your overall budget will decrease any financial stress between you and your hubby-to-be. Keep in mind that your guests are present at your wedding ceremony and reception to celebrate your marriage and not all of the other extras!